Tabletopia - Guards of Atlantis II · published
Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas (MOBAs) have long dominated mobile devices and computer screens. Now, Skytear Games - the publisher behind titles such as Skytear and Dicequest - brings that fast-paced gameplay to the tabletop with Onward. Designed by Giacomo Neri and Riccardo Neri, this competitive strategy game is built for two players and offers matches lasting between 45 and 90 minutes.
The story unfolds in the world of Olan Taa, where factions such as Kurumo and Liothan wage war over Skytear, a mystical energy capable of controlling matter and life itself. Your objective is familiar: destroy your opponent's Nexus. Reaching it, however, means fighting through three lanes protected by defensive towers, where waves of minions continuously clash. Between the lanes lie resource-rich jungles filled with dangerous monsters, while the center of the battlefield is home to the mighty Outsider - a neutral boss whose defeat can dramatically shift the balance of the match. Every decision shapes the flow of the battle, allowing even a small advantage to grow into a decisive victory.
At the same time, Onward requires no previous MOBA experience. Even if you've never played League of Legends or Dota 2, the game gradually introduces the genre's core concepts, letting you focus on tactics, hero coordination, and strategic decision-making rather than quick reflexes.
Every battle in Onward begins long before the first clash of swords. Victory is shaped by preparation, careful positioning, and the ability to turn the battlefield itself into your greatest ally. Across the world of Olan Taa, every road leads to the same objective - breaking through enemy defenses and bringing down the opposing Nexus. Yet every advance comes at a cost, forcing both sides to constantly decide where their strength is needed most.
The battlefield is divided into three Lanes, the resource-rich Jungle, and the strategic River that connects them all. Throughout each round, heroes earn gold, strengthen themselves with powerful equipment, and gradually build the momentum needed to seize control of the map. Red items enhance raw offensive power, yellow improve mobility, blue reinforce defenses, while green equipment focuses on maintaining pressure across the lanes. Since every hero can equip only one item of each color, every purchase becomes another meaningful strategic choice rather than a simple upgrade.
The battle itself never stands still. During the Minion Phase, waves of allied soldiers push relentlessly toward enemy territory. Their advance is determined by the Momentum system, rewarding teams that successfully establish control over contested areas. Even then, towering fortifications protected by the Barrier ability force attackers to dismantle the enemy's defenses step by step, making patience and coordination just as valuable as aggression.
Victory in Onward depends on more than winning individual battles. Success comes from controlling key areas of the map and knowing exactly when to commit your heroes. Sixteen unique heroes, from resilient Guardians and mystical Mages to swift Assassins, offer countless tactical combinations, but choosing the right team is only the first step.
Beyond the lanes, the Jungle hides both riches and danger. Monsters provide a steady source of gold, encouraging teams to venture off the main battlefield in search of valuable resources. Hidden enemies, however, can only be revealed with the support of allied heroes, making every expedition a calculated risk. At the center of the map stands the fearsome Outsider, whose defeat can dramatically shift the balance of power.
Even the final assault demands careful planning. Towers and the Nexus retaliate against attackers through the Retaliate mechanic, while defeated enemy champions strengthen your own heroes, unlocking more powerful abilities and restoring 2 HP. Combined with spell effects such as Silence and Disarm, every confrontation rewards smart positioning, timing, and teamwork. In Onward, victory belongs to the team that masters both its heroes and the battlefield.
Onward is an impressive tabletop adaptation of the MOBA genre, successfully capturing the tension of digital arena battles while offering outstanding replayability through its roster of 16 heroes and flexible item system. It is an excellent choice for fans of competitive strategy games as well as players who enjoy tactical multiplayer experiences.
Who will feel at home on the battlefield:
fans of dynamic strategy games;
MOBA players eager to experience the genre in tabletop form;
enthusiasts of miniature-based tactical combat;
players who enjoy competing for map control and the initiative;
anyone looking for deep strategic gameplay with high replayability.
Whether you prefer aggressive pushes, careful map control, or supporting your allies from the back lines, Onward offers enough tactical depth to let every player develop their own path to victory. Experiment with different hero combinations, refine your strategies, and discover Onward today on Tabletopia.